International travelers to Vietnam shell out an average of over US$500 per day on golf, contributing to increasing tourism revenue, heard a ceremony to launch a golf tournament and debut the Saigon Golf Tourism Society in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

Golf tourism is favored by luxury travelers, said Trinh Nguyen Hung Dung, chairman of the Saigon Golf Tourism Society.

Those visiting Vietnam for golfing tend to stay in the country longer than other groups of tourists.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism indicated that some 20 percent of Asian travelers such as South Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese to Vietnam expect to play golf.

Ho Chi Minh City is moving toward attracting golfers from these markets.

The city houses golfing infrastructure, various lodging facilities, shopping centers, and restaurants to meet the demand of international golfing enthusiasts.

It is necessary to create unique golf products to lure golfers to the city, he said.

Golfing tours and golf tournaments will be based on the preferences of tourists in different countries, he said, adding that European golfers like playing on a long golf course, while South Korean golf players favor a short course.

As such, the Saigon Golf Tourism Society will partner with some units and service suppliers to launch attractive golf tours, and hold various golf tournaments, contributing to diversifying tourism products in the city.

The Ho Chi Minh City golf tourism competition is set to take place at Tan Son Nhat Golf Course in Go Vap District on Friday next week. 

The tournament, set to feature up to 100 local and international golfers, is aimed at promoting golf tourism in the city.

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